Skills Development
Shot types
Introduction
The task was to take pictures of the different shot types learnt prior to the practical lesson, it enabled us to get our own examples as well as learn how to set up the tripod and take a focused image. This task was relevant as it gave us the skills we needed to further produce our own images as a film and tv student.
​
​
​
Establishing Shot- shows the viewers where the scene is set/the setting.
An establishing shot is used to display the setting as seen in the image; this type of shot is used frequently when showing the audience, the exterior of a building giving the indication the next clip is inside the building displayed.
Sourced establishing shot
Both images display clearly where the setting is, both in focus. If I were to take an establishing shot again it would be of the exterior of the building to tell more to the viewer of, were they are.
long shot- a character is displayed in the frame, from head to toe.
A long shot is used to see/show the character in their surroundings. This shot is frequently used to display the full body language of a character in certain settings.
Sourced long shot
Both images display the full body of a person within a big setting. I do believe both images are good examples of shot type. One thing I would change about my example is making sure there is less gap above the head to ensure the focus is also on the character.
Mid-long shot – also known as the cowboy shot, it cuts off at the knees of the character.
A mid-long shot is used to enable viewers to still the characters emotions and body language with other characters in the shot.
Extreme close-up – super focused on one part of the body (eyes, lips etc) or even an object/prop (doorhandle, light switch etc)
Extreme close ups are used to focus in on one thing, to express its importance to the scene or later in the movie. When focused in on a part of the body for example the eyes its typically used to show a reflection and the emotions (eyes are the window to the soul -Shakespeare)
Sourced extreme close up
Both images are extreme close ups of the eyes, one displaying more emotions then the other. I do believe I was successful with this shot the background is not visible and the viewers are immediately drawn to the eyes.
High-angle shot – camera is angled looking down at the scene/characters.
High-angle shots are used to show weakness in the character(s) you are looking down at. They are typically POV shots, giving power to the person you have the perspective off. They can also create suspense as to what/who the character below is looking at.
Sourced mid-long shot
I believe I was somewhat successful in creating a mid-long shot as I did cut them off at the knees, however next time I would introduce another ''character'' to have that example of what its most used for.
Sourced high-angle shot
My image is not an accurate hight-angle shot, therefor when doing it again I must ensure its properly angled downwards and include a character to fully show the viewers we are looking down. The sourced image therefor has a much higher angle.
Close-up – just below the chin to the top of the head of the character.
Close ups are used to show the facial expression/emotions of one character (typically only one). The background/setting is out of focus to make the audience focus only on the character, typically leaving suspense of what’s going on in the background.
Sourced close-up
Both images display only the face of the characters, with a blurred background keeping the focus on the characters faces showing lots of detail.
Mid shot – cuts off at the characters waste.
A mid shot is used to balance what’s going on in the setting and the characters reactions (body language, facial expressions)
Sourced mid shot
Both shots cut off at the waste and show more emotions of the characters. However, when doing the shot again I would ensure there is less space above their head, to balance the character and the setting.
Mid close-up – cuts off at the characters chest.
A mid close-up is used to focus mainly on the characters facial expressions, the setting can still be seen however Is not in as much focus.
Sourced mid close-up
I believe I have not made an accurate mid shot, as its not quit at the chest it’s just below. Also, there is too much space above the head so next time I will need the ‘’character’’ to be closer the camera.
Low-angle shot – camera is placed below the characters/scene.
Low-angle shots are used to give/show power to the characters above the camera, and intimidate the audience. They can also create shadows to even set the tone of the scene, for example in a horror movie they typically use shadows to make a person look creepy and with a low angle shot it gives them power over the POV the character below them.
Sourced low-angle shot
Yet again I have not accurately made a low angle shot, the sourced photo includes characters to further show you’re the POV of the character they are looking down at. therefor next time I will include a ‘’character’’ and ensure the camera angle is more pointed upwards. As its not super clear it’s at an upwards angle.
Dutch angle – the camera is shown to be off balanced and tilted to the side.
Dutch angles are used to represent the characters uneasiness in the scene, the sudden turn in reality, or even a funny feeling.
Sourced Dutch angle
Both images are tilted to the side showing the shift in reality, and the mind of the character in the sourced image. Next time I would include to further show the tilt of the camera.
Reflection
Overall, most of the images I took were accurate to the shot types they were representing, some could be improved when compared to sourced images. The main thing I need to improve on are the low/high angle shots, next time including a character and ensuring the angle is more prominent. I could also get the character to show more emotions in some shots such as the close-up they could be sad/happy. I’ve learnt how the different shot types can truly affect how much of the setting and the detail of the characters facial expressions you can see. For my work in the future I must ensure that every shot has an impact on the audience and a relevance to what’s going on.
Framing and composition
The task was to make our own examples of the different composition types in photos, it was relevant to what we had just learnt prior to the practical lesson enabling us to see how it works.
Rule of thirds -the object takes up a third of the shot.
I do believe I was successful, using my knowledge and what I had learnt in the prior lesson I was able to get an accurate rule of thirds example shot. Clearly the vase takes up a third of the image.
Depth -for/mid/background
I have an image with some depth to it however, next time to make it more obvious I would include objects within the midground and foreground.
Leading lines -vertical/horizontal leading lines that lead you towards something.
There is a clear example of a leading line directing you to the distance however, next time I would use a bigger example to enable to background to be focused. And there for you would be led to a specific object rather than a blurred background.
Natural framing – ‘’a frame within a frame’’
I don’t believe this is a good example or even an obvious ‘’frame within a frame’’, next time I need to show more of the wall around the window or even use a different example, such as a gap through some trees.
Symmetry -a reflection of the same thing (a pattern etc)
The image does show an example of symmetry however I do not believe it’s the best. Next time I should have the camera angled more down to just show the bottom two windows. Or even use a different example of symmetry that’s more obvious to the audience.
Framing and composition
Symmetry -the reflection of the person on the lake, the boat being placed in the centre of the frame.
Contrast -the bright yellow raincoat on the dark green/blue background. Makes the person stand out, drawing your attention to them immediately.
Depth -the background contains green mountains; the mid ground contains a little house, and the front ground is the person in the boat. Adds to the overpowering size of the mountains compared to the person on the boat.
Depth of field -the background is less focused and has less detail therefor compared to the person on the boat, we therefor know that the main focus of the image is the person on the boat.
The image is successful in that it creates a peaceful scenery, with the still water and mellow coloured nature. It also manages to point your attention to the person still in the boat, by using a contrast in colours and change in depth.
-
What approach has been used?
-
How is it being used? What does it communicate?
-
Is it effective?
-
If so, how? If not, what not?
rule of thirds – the fence takes up a third of the page off to the left, creating a break from the light and darker part of the path.
leading lines -diagonal leading lines created by the fence direct your attention to the sunset in the background.
Contrast -there is more shadows/darker lighting on the other side of the fence compared to the path leading to the distance. This therefore ensures people’s attention is focused on the sunrise.
The image is successful in creating the perfect autumn sunrise, its diagonal leading lines lead you perfectly to the sun in the background. And with the perfect amount of contrast, it ensures your eyes are not too focused on the other side of the fence.
Leading lines – the vertical leading lines of water lead you to the end of the tunnel.
Depth of field -there is very small in focus in the background as the main idea of the photo is for you to see the detail in the water drops and metal pole the camera is in.
Symmetry -the water droplets are all the same on both sides of the metal pole, creating symmetry.
Natural framing -the metal pole has created a natural circle frame at the end of the blurred background.
I believe the image is not super successful in that there is not much to see other than the water droplets as what looks like a town is very blurred, however it does include many compositions technique’s therefor is in some way effective.
Reflection
Overall, I think I have a good couple of examples that were successful, some could do with being retaken to make them more obvious as to what they are an example of. Therefor I need to work on what areas/ props are going to work better in a shot then others to be more effective in what’s it trying to represent. I did learn how the different types of composition and framing can affect how an image is being displayed to have an affect. This knowledge can defiantly be applied to future short films, adverts, documentaries and even photography.
How to safely use equipment:
Ensure the camera is always turned off before putting in and tacking out the memory card, look at picture that shows you what way round to put the memory cared into the camera never force it otherwise it could damage it and the camera. Also, ensure that the camera is being held safely and securely when walking around with it. And never block any stairs or fire exits when tacking a picture.
180-Degree Rule
The task was to create a very short film, to show examples of the prior 180-dergree shots we had learnt. Before deciding what, we were going to do we created each our own story boards to show a rough example of the camera angles we need to include. When put in groups we decide on an entirely different story to do, but still included the shots we had learnt. Then we went put with the tripod and camera to film each of the shots, so we had our own examples.
180-Degree Rule:
The 180-degree rule is a rule that means the camera can only stay on one half of the side the characters are standing, and the camera must also move at least 30 degrees to ensure the shot cuts properly and not look jar.
(pinterest , n.d.)
Match On Action:
Ensures the next shot follows on from the last shots movements/actions smoothly. Still continuing with that 180-degree rule.
Shot Reverse Shot:
Shot reverse shot is for example in the first shot the character is shown looking at another and then the next shot shows the other character looking back.
Over The Shoulder Shot:
OTS shot is where the camera is placed just behind the persons shoulder in front of the other character whose face can be seen. It tends to be used when the characters whose face can be seen is speaking to ensure the audience is focused on them.
(no film school, n.d.)
(studio binder, n.d.)
Photographic Story Board
Black arrows indicate the movement of the characters.
A mid-long shot, character walking in with the camera following them.
Continuing that mid-long shot, camera follows character to chair where they sit down.
Mid shot, camera stays stationary whilst only one character is visible sliding their hand across the table.
Cuts to a shot of the two characters sitting down and talking, camera stays stationary.
An OTS shot is used to show the other character throwing the object off the table, both characters then get up.
Both characters are stood up as one tries to stop the other from leaving. An OTS shot is used again.
A quick shot is used to show the character stopping the other character.
A low angle shot is used as well as an OTS shot to show the weakness of the characters face that is shown. Both talk and then a character walks off.
Reflection
We managed to get all the examples we needed that we had learnt prior to the practical and I also made a very easy understanding story board with screen shots from out own work. However, I do believe we failed slightly in sticking to the 180-degree rule in image number 6 on the photographic story board the camera is on the other side of the invisible line which enables us to stick to the rule. Overall though I managed to understand more of what we learnt by using the techniques ourselves and making our own examples. Applying this knowledge in the future will be very useful in short films to ensure our audience understands where the characters are being placed within the setting.
When using the equipment we made sure to not walk around with the camera still attached to the tripod and found a space out of the way from people trying to get around the college.
My Story Board:
This is the story board I had designed prior to the lesson in which we decided what we were doing in our short film.
We decided instead to go with someone else in the groups storyboard.
Camera Settings: Exposure
The task was to take pictures using the different camera settings we had learnt prior to the practical lesson. We learnt about shutter speed, aperture and IOS, in the practical we then were able to adjust each of the camera settings we had learnt to get our own examples of how they effect an image. For each camera setting we were given two points we needed to take an example of.
Exposure:
Depending on the amount of light there is will determine how exposed an image is, light is needed for an image to be captured in the first place. Too much or too little light can ruin a photo. Light is measured and controlled by its brightness (apertures/f-stops) and duration (shutter-speed). Overall exposure is how much light the sensor picks up which will then be used to light up the image you’re taking a photo of.
(photography guide , 2019)
(Elizabeth, 2019)
Shutter-speed:
Before you press the button, the shutter blocks all light from exposing the sensor. It then quickly opens and closes at a time depending on what you have it set as, giving the sensor a quick flash of light. For example, at 1 second more light is exposed compared to having it set at 1/1000 of a second. Having a slower shutter speed there is motion blur a faster shutter speed is little to no motion blur
(images.search.yahoo.com, n.d.)
(Karl Taylor Education, n.d.)
Aperture:
The aperture regulates the amount of light that passes through the lens, it does this by opening the lens diaphragm inside a photographic lens. It’s measured in f-stops and uses depth of field, the higher the f-stop the more in focus the image is (deeper depth of field) and the smaller the f-stop the blurrier the image (shallow depth of field).
(city academy , n.d.)
ISO:
The ISO controls the sensitivity of the signal gain of the camera the higher the ISO is set when in a darker lit area, a grainy effect is shown in the image, however by adding some light e.g., natural light or a lamp or/and turn down the ISO a much clearer image will be captured.
(digital trends , 2021)
Shutter-speed
Motion blur- I believe I was successful in creating my own example of a motion blur image, by using a phone torch it makes the image brighter and clearer/obvious it has a motion blur. The light is clearly a blur however its n focusses enough to be seen.
No motion blur- my image of a moving object with no motion blur is unsuccessful, although you can see the falling waters separate droplets, its too small and therefor slightly out of focus. Next time to ensure its in focus I need to have more water falling.
Aperture
Shallow DOF- the example I have made is successful as it clearly displays the focus in the foreground with the mid and background blurred creating a shallow depth. Drawing your attention to the object.
Deep DOF- although my example of a deep DOF is successful the exposure is slightly too little and therefor needs to be turned up a bit to ensure the foreground is lit up just as much as the mid and background. Overall, everything is in focus displaying a deep DOF.
IOS
High ISO- I put the ISO on the highest it could go when in a low-lit area, creating a fuzzy/blurred image. However, there was not as much noise as I was expecting there to be considering there was little to no light.
Low ISO- putting the ISO to the lowest setting and adding light from a light bulb creates a perfect image, no blur, no noise. With the perfect amount of exposure.
White Balance
The task was to take 6 pictures in 3 locations of the different white balance settings on the camera to have our own examples. The 3 locations were exterior only, interior only and exterior + interior (inside next to a window).
What is WB?
White balance is to do with the balance of colour in an image taken on a digital camera, there are 8: Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Flash, White fluorescent, Custom and Auto. You use these to add warmth or even a colder tone to your image, for example when taking an image outside you tend to get a blue tinge to your image by putting the WB onto daylight it adds some warmth tacking that blue tinge away.
What is colour temperature?
Colour temperature is the warmth or coldness of light in your image. outside there is a higher colour temperature (6,000 to 10,000) therefor inside has a lower colour temperature (1,000 to 5,000), which is shown on the kelvin scale:
(light designing lab , n.d.)
Daylight
Shade
Outside only
Cloudy
White, fluorescent light
Tungsten light
Outside and inside
inside only
Lighting analysis
(Anon., n.d.)
(Anon., n.d.)
The image displayed is part of the ending scene in fight club, the backlighting compliments the blue tint caused from the sky giving the scene a calm atmosphere. Although the buildings are being exploded, the two silhouettes of the characters standing there holding hands indicates no panic, this emphasises the characters uneasiness within his head as most would be worried when in this situation. Overall, in the image there is a mixture of natural (fire, stars in the sky) and artificial lighting (the buildings) making the image dim, the low-key lighting adds a cold sinister tone due to the blue and grey colours. This then adds to the craziness of the two characters with the explosion and their calm stans. The soft light that has been used clearly outlines the two characters and does not define any details throughout the whole image.
In this scene from the movie Coraline harsh artificial high key lighting has been used to shine a yellow light from a mysterious doorway drawing your attention immediately to it leaving the audience to wonder what is there. Due to the mellow warm tone created it makes you think it’s something good, yellow=a happy colour. This high-key lighting still manages to show detail throughout the whole image, reflecting on the shiny wallpaper illuminating the scene further, yet there is a shadow on the back of Coraline indicating she is not the main focus.
Comparing the two images you can see a clear difference in that the first image has a colder blue tone contrast to the warmer yellow tone displayed in the second image. Therefore, the second image is much brighter displaying more detail then the first image this is because of the low-key lighting used to make that colder blue look which then creates darker shadows allowing little to no detail.
Lighting techniques
The task was to demonstrate how 3-point lighting effects an image, we had to take pictures of someone with only one of the lights on (key, fill, back) then two together (key + fill, key + back, fill + back) and then all three (key + fill + back).
(Pinterest , n.d.)
3-Point lighting:
Is one of the most basic professional lighting set-ups, it incorporates the essential light sources and direction, the key light, which is the main source of light, is usually just off to the side and lights up half of a subject, the fill light is opposite to the key light filling the shadow the key light has made on the other side of the subject.
​
Key light:
As shown in the image the Key light has been placed off to the left side of the subject about 30 degrees, creating a faint shadow on the left side. Hard quality as it’s a very bright light providing the texture on the clothing due to the shadows.
Fill light:
Placed opposite the key light the left side of the subject has no longer got a shadow, less texture can be seen on the clothes as it’s a softer left bright light creating indistinct shadows. Also giving a sheen to the hair.
Back light:
Places behind the subject in a way it is not visible to the camera, it has certainly defined creating a silhouette separating them from the background. Very little detail is visible only subtle highlights around the body giving a three-dimensional look.
3-points:
With all three lights on the clothing can be seen in detail with some shadow to give texture due to the key light, a sheen on the hair and both sides of the face well lit due to the fill light. And a nice highlight around the edge of the head separating them from the background due to the back light.
Fill + Back
Indoor recordings
Audio
Comparing the recordings
Outdoor recordings
Zoom
iPhone
When comparing the two recording devises; the iPhone and zoom, I discovered that the iPhone picked up less background noise compared to the zoom recording, it did however pick up the sound closer to it making it louder overpowering background noise. The zoom was able to make both the background and closer noise the same level of loudness, which could make it harder to differ from what is where. When recording inside the zoom could pick up people talking on the other side of the room as well as my bracelets hitting the desk, the iPhone struggles with the background chatter causing a slight echo as well as the bracelets overpower the audio. However, when recording outside the zoom recording picked up all the wind causing a horrible noise overpowering all the noise in the background, although the iPhone couldn’t pick up everything around it you could still hear the birds chirping, some people talking and cars in the distance on the main road. I now know that next time when recording outside with the zoom it needs to have a wind shield to prevent it from picking up the wind, to also help the iPhone pick somewhat up more background noise when recording inside instead of having it on the desk I will hold it in the air to ensure the computers are not blocking any sound.
Zoom
iPhone
Overall, in the exercise I have learnt how the inside and outside can prevent different types of recorders from picking up sound, I also know that the zoom has lots of settings that can change how much background noise it picks up as well as addons like the wind break which leaves it with an advantage to the iPhone which can only really pick up noise closest to It.
Audio
In the task we were given a set of 5 words, Nature, Education, Technology, Rhythm and Creativity we then had to record sounds for each of the words using our own interpretation of them each. Adjusting the settings to the different environments to get used to using the zoom recorders and become more confident with audio as it’s a vital part of film.
Omnidirectional
Picks up audio equally in all directions, is best used for ambient sound recordings such as two or more people talking/singing therefor choirs/debates etc.
Unidirectional
A heart shaped pattern, an example of a unidirectional microphone is the cardioid they are most sensitive at the tip picking up the soundest from the front and very little from the sides and back. Is best suited for interviews in crowds/karaoke etc. Hyper cardioid is another example very similar to cardioid with a narrower pick-up pattern enabling slight rear pick up creating some ambience of background noise.
Polar patterns- are what determine the part if the mic that picks up the sound, the most common example is cardioid.
Nature
The reason why I chose this sound is because I believe it best represents nature, I listened to the outside through the zoom recorder until I heard a good enough sound, deciding on a recording of the wind/breeze using a wind break. There is one thing I would change about the sound as it has some talking in the background therefor next time, I would ensure I’m in a quite space.
Technology
First, I thought to use the sound of the generator, but the zoom could not pick the sound up, I then went for the sound of someone using a computer. I placed had the zoom in one hand and types on the keyboard and used the mouse in he other ensuring the zoom was following my hand, so the sounds volume was continuous.
Education
Creativity
I chose this sound of a pencil writing on a piece of paper to represent notes, it did take a few ties to ensure thee was not a lot of background noise and that the pencil could be heard. Next time I would make sue to be in an empty room to ensure the pencil is super loud ad heard.
Rhythm
I chose a tapping pattern for rhythm because a repeating noise is what I believe to be an example of a rhythm, the sound came out how I wanted it too with very little background noise and a clear display of the tapping noise. Next time I would maybe try and find some music to record.
Finding a noise for creativity was a struggle as its open to so much interpretation, I decided on using a book recording he pages as I flicked through them. The book was about art, but the representation of creativity was in the creative writing that comes with books/pages. It took a couple of tries to ensue there was no background noise and finding a place for the zoom that’s close enough to pick up the sound but not get hit by the pages ruining the audio.
Safety:
When using the equipment ensure that you are handling It sensibly, when using the zoom ensure the volume is not too high and that you are not screaming into the speakers as this can cause damage to yours/people’s ears. When uploading the sound recordings do not force the USB into the computer instead try turning it the other way and try again.
Editing
​The task was to edit the video(s) we had filmed on week 3, ensuring the scenes had perfect match on action and the audio lined up. Overall getting used to the editing app edit composer.
Frame rate- fps meaning frames per second frame rates are the number of frames displayed on a video/film etc.
Resolution- is the number of pixels displayed an example would be 1080p
therefor 1080 vertical lines of resolution; the p stands for progressive scan.
Aspect ratio- width:height of the video/image to fit a specific screen and
example would be 16:9 which is a standard television screen size, if a 4:3
ratio is used there are black strips left down the side of the v screen
as the video is too small.
interlaced and Progressive- doubles the perceived frame rate of a video the
interlaced scan is an older model the progressive scan being faster but
costly.
​
​
When editing I managed to learn some new skills such as keyboard short cuts that made the editing so much easier and less complicated, I can apply the keyboard short cuts to all future editing to further develop my match on action. The match on action was quite successful throughout the video, however when the character placed the prop on the table it was not as smooth flowing across the two scenes as it could of been. due to the fact the audio would be messed up as the same line would be repeated twice. To ensure this does not happen next time I need to keep track of what was last said/done in the scene before to then flow over to the next shot. when editing there was a different first shot with the character just walking in, I deleted this as I was advised it was not needed as it didn't add any value to the story line, therefor when planning out the scenes I need to remember whether or not it adds a meaning to the video.
Continuity Editing
The task this week was to make a video including the same shots as the video we made on week 3, we made a new storyline and used a different setting improving on the angles. Because we knew we were going to edit the clips we made life easier for ourselves and planned ahead making the characters repeat themselves to make the match on action smoother. Once we had recorded the clips, I then edited them together. Overall improving on my editing skills, also getting feedback on how to improve on the audio for next time and how to make the shot types accurate e.g., not leaving empty space around the characters.
Edited video:
When comparing this week’s video to last weeks there are clear improvements, firstly the match on action is much smoother due to the repeating of the last thing from the clip in the next one making editing so much easier. I’ve also improved in editing adding a fade in and fade out on this week’s video, in last week’s edit we broke the 180-degree rule which we did not do in this week’s video as well as sticking to the 30-degree rule ensuring the jumps don’t look Jar. I believe what went most well was the match on action, I do need to improve on the audio next time using a microphone to ensure the sound stays the same throughout the video. The second over the shoulder shot was a problem the character facing the camera top of there head was out of frame and there was too much empty space on the left side of the frame. Next time the camera needs to be closer to the character who’s shoulder the camera is looking over to include the opposites character full head and remove the empty space.